The Madison County boys’ tennis team held serve in Region 8-AAAA recently, smashing aces and backhands past area foes and repeating as region champions.

“The boys all played well throughout the tournament,” said Red Raider coach Keith Strickland.

Madison County 19-2 and 13-0 also advanced to the state tournament for the third-straight year and defeated South Forsyth in Danielsville 3-0 Tuesday. With the win, the guys advanced to the state “Sweet 16” for the third-straight year. Madison County will face the winner of the Dunwoody/Sprayberry match. No date had been set as of press time, but the second round match must be completed by May 2.

Of course, whatever happens at state, Madison County already has the region trophy on the mantle.

Number one singles player Trey Morris endured a wrist injury to lead the team in the region tournament.

“Trey Morris continued to roll through the season, 19-2,” said Strickland. “We had great play from Ben Strickland and our doubles teams throughout the first two matches to put us in a position to defend our title from last year. Ben improved to 19-2 on the season easily winning his first two matches without losing a game.

Madison County downed Clarke Central 4-0 in the quarterfinals, Winder-Barrow 3-0 in the semifinals and Rockdale County 3-2 in the region finals.

“In the finals, Tyler Terrell (#3S) stepped it up a notch and gave us our first win,” said Strickland. “As Ben and the #1D (Hancock/Osborne) lost a couple of tight matches, Trey Morris finished off his opponent to tie us at two matches all.”

The deciding match came down to the number two doubles team of Josh Dooley and Zach Peneguy.

“Both knew how much their match meant and were playing a little too cautiously the first two sets,” said Strickland. “They squeaked out the first set in a tiebreak and then led five points to three in the second set tie-break before losing the next four points and the set. The region title came down to one set to decide it all. Josh and Zach, being the more experienced players and coming back on the court after a short break – stormed ahead to take the set 6-3 and give us our second straight region title.”

While the boys captured the region title, the Madison County girls (14-7, 9-4) also advanced to the state tournament with a fourth place finish at region. It marks the 15th straight trip for the girls to state.

“I was extremely proud of how well our girls played throughout the tournament,” said Strickland. “Our doubles teams went on the court each match just as they had all season and took charge and got the wins for us.”

Abby Morgan/Morgan Dooley were undefeated throughout the tournament, going 3-0.

“At singles, Audra Minish really played well and put us in a position to take third place,” said Strickland. “Abby Thrasher played a couple of veteran players very well in the semis and consolation finals.”

The girls were scheduled to travel to Region 7 number one seed Johns Creek either Wednesday or Thursday, depending on the weather.

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